ADHD Video Call Diagnosis - A BBC Panorama Investigation Finds
BBC Panorama found that patients are diagnosed with ADHD in private clinics and are prescribed powerful drugs after unreliable video calls. The undercover investigation was conducted after tips were reported. Dozens of patients and whistleblowers spoke to.
Many people are forced to pay for private assessments because of the NHS waiting list. But is it really effective?
Why do I need an individual diagnostic?
If you or someone you know has ADHD It is important to consult a specialist who can accurately diagnose your condition and prescribe the best treatment. Many people choose to use the NHS however a private diagnosis is often more accurate and can save both time and money.
There are concerns about the NHS's ability to meet current demands for ADHD assessments. Patients are waiting for months or even weeks for an appointment. This can be extremely difficult for those affected. In addition, many people feel that the quality of NHS assessment services isn't quite as high as it should be.
In light of these challenges it's not a surprise that more adults are choosing to seek an appointment with a private physician. The BBC Panorama investigation raised serious concerns over the quality of care provided by some private clinics. The undercover programme revealed that some clinics ran tests over the phone and claimed that patients were ADHD when they were not.
A private assessment usually starts with a series screening questionnaires that you will be asked to complete and then submit to your doctor. The screenings are designed and standardised to determine if you exhibit symptoms of ADHD. These results are used to assist the doctor to decide whether or not to attend an appointment for a full diagnosis.
The doctor will then conduct a detailed review of your family and medical history, and how the symptoms of ADHD are impacting your life. They will also carry out a physical examination and cognitive tests. You will be diagnosed with ADHD based on your situation and then given a treatment plan.
If you are diagnosed with ADHD and the doctor will write to your GP with a request for a'shared-care agreement'. This allows you to continue to receive NHS medication while paying only the NHS prescription fee. You can also see your private doctor to keep up with appointments and receive CBT therapy, in the event that it is necessary.
What is the outcome if I fail to receive an appointment?
A correct diagnosis and the right treatment can make a huge difference in the case of ADHD. However the NHS process for diagnosing ADHD is lengthy and difficult. Some adults cannot wait that long to seek out private providers to evaluate their condition. This can save you time and frustration, but it is important to remember that it is not a guarantee of an accurate diagnosis.
A professional who has experience diagnosing ADHD will be able to give a more thorough evaluation than an NHS psychiatrist. This could include a physical examination as well as tests like hearing and vision. It will also involve checklists and questionnaires. The person who is conducting the test will also inquire about your family, medical and social histories and your symptoms. They might also use the standard ADHD rating scales and might want to request your teachers or caregivers for their ratings, too.
When evaluating adults with ADHD, the healthcare professional will be looking for five or more symptom over six months that are serious enough to disrupt work or home life. They will also look to determine if these symptoms are caused by other mental disorders. Depression and anxiety, for instance, can cause ADHD-like signs. They will also review your social and professional history to rule out issues such as financial hardships and abuse histories as well as drinking and drug addiction.
During your NHS assessment during your NHS assessment, you will be informed by a psychiatrist or a healthcare professional if you do not fit the criteria for ADHD. You may request a re- assessment if you disagree with their decision.
People who receive an official diagnosis of ADHD can decide to share this with their GP and the GP can then refer them to shared management through the NHS. Adults who have been diagnosed as ADHD can get medication in this way. However, doctors have been often hesitant to prescribe ADHD medication because they are not experts in the condition and because it is expensive.
What is my next step if I disagree with my diagnosis?
Remember that your therapist must be respectful and sympathetic to your feelings and concerns. They will understand that unmanaged ADHD symptoms can create significant problems for families and individuals. If your doctor isn't happy with the diagnosis, they might be able to suggest alternative diagnoses or treatments that could be more suitable for you.
If your doctor decides that you do not meet the criteria for a diagnosis of ADHD, they will explain why. It may be because you did not provide enough information about your issues or they believe another condition explains your characteristics (symptoms) better than ADHD. If you're unhappy with the outcome you may seek a second opinion from a different doctor or go through the NHS complaints procedure.
If you choose to go private or take advantage of NHS care waiting times for an assessment can be lengthy and it's important to consider that your doctor might find the process frustrating. This is not because of the people affected, but rather because NHS service provision is stretched to its limits.
GPs are also having difficulty navigating the complicated diagnosis process for ADHD and autism (and neurodivergence more generally). They must ensure that they are offering a robust service that is both safe and fair, and meet the prescriptions for shared care set out by the GMC.
Unfortunately, Panorama's expose has revealed that some private clinics are using shortcut diagnostic techniques and this could put people at risk. This is a tragedy for the entire country and a real reason to consider alternatives.
It is also important to note that the stigma of being diagnosed with ADHD can make it more difficult for some people to be given an assessment. This is especially true when the person is a member of a minority group, was assigned female at birth or has any other health and social circumstances that affect how medical professionals view their symptoms.
We can help if you find your life negatively affected by untreated ADHD symptoms. Our doctors are experts in diagnosing ADHD and are able to provide support and treatment to help you overcome your issues. You can call us or make an appointment online to find out how we can help.
What happens if you don't want me take my medication?
If you are worried about ADHD symptoms but do not want to use medication, it is possible to be diagnosed without a prescription. The NHS provides an adult ADHD assessment service. how to get an adhd diagnosis uk can request an appointment from your doctor to be evaluated at one of the centers for specialists in England, or through the 'Right to choose' pathway, which is much more efficient.
Your appointment will consist of an authenticated assessment, a clinical interview, and an online questionnaire. This will help your physician know the way these symptoms affect you and how they impact on your daily routine. The clinician will also consider your previous experiences and family history. It is crucial to provide accurate and truthful responses.
If a doctor determines that you meet the diagnostic criteria for ADHD They can provide you with an assessment. You will be asked whether you are interested in discussing the possibility of taking medication. It is crucial to think about the potential consequences of taking any medication before making a decision. This is because the effects of medications are long-lasting and could cause serious adverse side effects if taken in a proper manner.
If you decide to take medication, your psychiatrist will provide you with the prescription and plan. You may be prescribed ADHD medication for a prolonged period of time, depending on the severity of the symptoms and the length of time you've experienced these symptoms for. It is important to also remember that there are other options that aren't pharmacological to deal with ADHD symptoms. These include diet, exercise, and cognitive behavior therapy.
The BBC Panorama "expose" of private clinics that diagnose ADHD has generated controversy, in particular because it suggests that people are misdiagnosed as a result of inadequate assessment of the clinical condition. We hesitate to say this doesn't happen because humans are inexact creatures, and psychiatry barely is an actual science. If you're suffering from ADHD symptoms, but are frustrated by the NHS waiting time, it could make sense to pay for an assessment.